Bilstein Sports with M3 Springs on my 325i

[ianxflo]

I just installed this combination on my 325i sedan with e90 drop hats and Im very happy with it, however, I was just wondering if the Bilstein sports were too stiff or if its bad to pair them up with the M3 springs. Should I have gotten Bilstein HDs? Ill post up pics sometime tomorrow when I clean the car.

[M-technik-3]

Sports and HD's are the same rate, HD's are an inch longer. The E90 hats did not help things you might be on the bump stops.

[ianxflo]

I dont think I have bump stops on.. They guy only sent the Struts and Shocks by itself..

[M-technik-3]

Bilstein have internal bump stops

[nrubenstein]

M3 springs are super soft up front. IIRC, they are shared with the M10 318i. Not a great match for the added weight of a 6 cylinder motor AND drop hats.

I'd have to agree that you're probably just slamming constantly into the bump stop. You can start by trimming an inch off the internal bump stop, but I'd have to recommend getting a set of suitable springs first.

[ianxflo]

So how do I stay off the bump stops??

[ak-]

So how do I stay off the bump stops??

Stiffer springs.

Your setup is fine though, I don't think you're hitting bumpstops..
M3 springs are rated 40lbs more than stock up front and like 10lbs more rear than stock.

[ianxflo]

Thanks for the input guys. Heres how it sits

[Mr. EG]

I have the same exact setup (same exact color/apperance also). Mine rides very smooth over the crap roads here in NY.

[einstein57]

Not too low at all. You should see those spring on a vert. Now that's low.

[ianxflo]

Well after driving around for a week, I noticed a knocking noise/feeling everytime I hit a bump in the road and its very bumpy. I think I am on the bumpstops. I probably will be getting stiffer springs. Any recommendations? I want to go a little lower as well, while still being able to use it as my DD.

[einstein57]

H&R races. Thats about as low as you can get with out smacking your oil pan (stupidity excluded).

[Hellabad]

Well after driving around for a week, I noticed a knocking noise/feeling everytime I hit a bump in the road and its very bumpy. I think I am on the bumpstops.

I am quite sure you are correct.

[M-technik-3]

You can open the Bilsteins and modify the bump stops, but be aware Bilstein will not warrantee them. Do this at your own risk.

[Philo]

Stop. I highly, highly doubt you are on the bumpstops. Something was not installed correctly. There is no knocking noise when you hit the bumpstops unless it is very abrupt. From the picture I would say you are no where close to the bumpstops. I'm betting something isn't properly assembled if you are hearing a knocking noise.

Also, I do not recommend cutting the internals. There is no use in ruining your warranty.